Blog Summary
- To identify the right silhouette for your body type, figure out your shape first
- A-line dresses look good on all different body shapes
- Flattering your shape is about creating balance
As a Mother of the Bride and Groom Stylist, one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is, “What type of gown should I wear?”
My standard reply is that there isn’t really an absolute for what gown will work for you personally. As mothers, most of us haven’t really worn a formal gown since our own wedding. Most of us have very different body types then we did years ago, too, so it is a very real concern when dress shopping.
I’ve never been a fan of generalizing and locking people into some kind of fruit or geometric shape category because there are so many factors that go into choosing a gown for your big day, such as:
- Time of day
- Wedding theme or aesthetic
- Climate
- Formality level
- Venue
- Comfort and sensory issues
- Personal style
All of these need to be factored in to that important dress that you’ll be photographed and immortalized in on that wedding day. The best bet is to always try different silhouettes so you can visualize what works best on your specific body. But, overall, there are some loose guidelines I can share that may help you in your gown search.
The Apple-Shaped Body
An apple body shape is defined as having broad shoulders, a fuller midsection, smaller hips, and slimmer legs. The overall shape is more round. Apple-shaped figures need to give themselves a definitive waistline which will help give an hourglass shape.
Dresses to look for would be A-lines with a fitted bodice and full skirt to emphasize the waist and ease over the hip line.
A distinction between the upper and lower halves needs to be made. A bodice with a-symmetrical detailing and shorter sleeves can define the upper body, with either a band or embellishments at the waist will help in defining a natural waistline. Flowy fabrics like chiffon are a good choice as well as they don’t cling and will give volume to the lower body for balance. Another flattering silhouette to look for if you are an apple shape would be empire waist dresses (although the empire waistline are less popular than A-line silhouettes).
Pear-Shaped Figures
A pear shape, also known as a triangle body type, generally has narrower shoulders, a smaller bust and wider bottom measurements.
Most people with this body type will want to minimize their lower half and draw attention upward. Again, the A-line gown will come to the rescue and alleviate some of those concerns. It is important to balance the proportions of a pear-shaped body by accentuating the upper body.
Do this with off the shoulder, V, and boat necklines with a flutter or longer sleeve along with detailed, embellished bodices. This draws attention upwards and will widen the upper body while slimming the lower. Gowns with side drapes, modified bows and asymmetrical flourishes at the waist are a great option to create a perfect balance.
The Strawberry Shaped Body Type
The Strawberry shaped body is also referred to as an inverted triangle body type. This shape is defined as having broad shoulders with a fuller bust, narrow hips, and a less defined waist. The goal of dressing this shape is to narrow the upper body and add volume to the lower half.
To help soften the upper body, V necks are a great place to start. Fit and flare shaped dresses will emphasize the waist and add curves to the hips. Using gown designs like ruching or appliqued embellishments at the waist also help create curves. Wrap dresses work very well on this shape with the belted waist and flared skirt.
The Rectangle Shaped Body Type
We’ve left behind our fruit salad and have now entered the realm of geometry. The rectangle shaped body is characterized by the bust, waist and hip being very consistent in measurement.
This body type will want to try to create the illusion of curves with draping, peplums and belts to define the waistline. Another way to go if you align with this shape is to go with a non-defined draped or sheath style gown. This silhouette offers more of a column effect that can flatter the rectangle shape.
Final Advice
- Experiment with silhouettes! Keep an open mind and try on dresses you would normally shy away from to see what features you like. Try on ball gowns and fit and flare dresses, bold colors or patterns!
- Try different necklines like the on trend one shoulder and scoop necklines, and see how the classic feminine look of the bateau works on you.
- Do not relegate yourself to specific dress styles because that’s what your body type ‘requires’. The right dress for you is the one you love.
Ultimately, the perfect dress style is the one that reflects your personal taste and celebrates your shape. In addition, making sure your gown is tailored specifically to your particular body makes a world of difference! A dress that is ill fitted will look out of proportion and less than polished.
This is your son or daughter’s wedding! In your role of a Mother of the bride or groom, you deserve a dress that best suits your figure, accentuates your best features, flatters your skin tone, and makes you feel confident and beautiful.